Newsletter - October 7, 2012

30 Days to Election Day

The Big Election Approaches!

Join the Blue Crew! Do Your Part for The Democrats

All Hands on Deck! Now's the Time to Step Up and Join the Jackson County Democrats as We Work to Elect Obama and All of the Democratic Candidates

Check out the varied opportunities below. There's a place for you! Call the JCD HQ Office (541-858-1050) for additional information and to volunteer.

"Lift All Dems " training today (see below) - calling to remind voters who haven't voted recently to vote for Obama and down the ballot. This is an ongoing activity until the ballots are mailed out.

Marchers, October 13 - SOPride parade

Canvass with Kate Brown, October 14

Get-out-the-vote, October 28 - November 6

Plus these activities that are not date specific, but just as important:

  • Voter registration
  • Vote counting observers
  • Letters to the editor

MARCHERS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13
The JCDs are in the SOPride parade, Saturday, October 13. Let's show huge support for both our candidates and SOPride. We'll bring the signs. You bring the enthusiasm. We will stage on Union and Siskiyou between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. There will be orange cones with numbers on them. Please line up behind the cone with your assigned number on it. By 10 a.m. it is important that everyone is lined up and ready to go for picture purposes and to be judged. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. sharp! Along the parade route remember to be 2 car lengths between groups. We will have parade volunteers to assist you.

We will parade up Main Street to the band shell.

CANVASSERS FOR KATE BROWN, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14
1 to 3 p.m., Medford. Meet at the HQ office for maps and materials and meet Kate Brown, our Secretary of State.

LETTERS! Be Part of the Letter Writing Team. From now on let's fill the "Letters to to the Editor" page with letters to support President Obama and all our Democratic candidates. You have time to get at least one in before the election. We'll get you started with tips and samples and lots of ideas. Contact Gail at gpbeason@charter.net

GET-OUT-THE-VOTE CALLERS: Help fill the shifts
The phone bank will operate October 28 to November 6. These calls are to remind voters to get their ballots in. Call from HQ office. Call the office (541-858-1050). Shift schedules are:

  • Weeknights 5 - 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 - 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. - noon, noon - 2 p.m., 2 - 4 p.m., 4 - 6 p.m., and
  • Sunday, 3 - 5 p.m. if we have enough volunteers.

ELECTION PROTECTION OBSERVERS
Monitor the counting of the votes at the Jackson County Elections Office, October 23 through November 6. This is very interesting and very easy. Training is provided. Shifts are 8 a.m. - noon, 1- 5 p.m. Probably even later on election night. Volunteers need to be flexible depending on the needs of the election office.

VOTER REGISTRATION
Oregon Action is leading the charge for voter registration. If you can help, call Virginia at 541-772-4029. There are 1 to 2 hr shifts tabling in Medford or Ashland, Saturdays or Sundays and some canvasses. The more volunteers, the more people registered.

"LIFT ALL DEMS" PROJECT: This is the Obama campaign in Jackson County
We'll call those Democrats who did not vote in the primary and remind them of the importance of the general election and the importance of voting for President Obama and Joyce Segers down the ballot. To volunteer, call 541-858-1050 or send an email to mail@jcdemocrats.org.

Scripts, talking points and training provided. You can come on in to the JCDems HQ (40 S. Central, Medford) between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Michael Rey, our office manager, will get you started. The next scheduled training is Sunday, October 7 at 3 p.m. Make the Jackson County Democrats an effective voice for President Obama and all of our candidates.

Blue Bash - Buy Your Tickets Today!
Supporters and volunteers for Democratic candidates are ramping up in Jackson County and across the nation.
This is an incredibly important election! Phone calls are being made; neighborhoods are being canvassed; candidates are spreading their message and babies are being kissed!

It all comes together at the Blue Bash on Election Night, Tuesday, November 6th and we want YOU to join in on the excitement at the Historic Ashland Armory!

Two massive 30' screens with up-to-the-minute elections results, both national and local, will be shown all evening while you meet and greet fellow Democrats and candidates. Appetizers and a no-host bar open at 5 p.m., and a fabulous dinner, catered by the Ashland Springs Hotel, will be served at 6:30 p.m.

Click here for more information about buying tickets and becoming a sponsor of the event.

Drawing Tickets - win prizes valued up to $1,000 for only $10

We are thrilled to be able to offer wonderful Drawing Prizes as a fundraiser. Tickets are only $10, and you could win:

  • A week at an elegant Phoenix, Arizona resort in May 2013 - valued at $1,000

  • A fantastic 2-hour "from the air" tour of Northern California, the Cascades and Crater Lake with Oregon Executive Charters - valued at $1,000

  • Politics, Poker & Pizza Party for two with Representative Peter Buckley and former Jackson County Commissioner Dave Gilmour - priceless!

  • A basket of goodies and gift certificates from eateries throughout Ashland - valued at more than $200

  • A case of delicious locally-grown wine from various Rogue Valley wineries -valued at $200

  • 6 hours of "Obamacare" for your garden, from Master Gardener Myrl Bishop, and Landscape Designers Jane Hardgrove & Jose Gonzalas - valued at $400

  • Shakespeare Clock by artist Richard Newman & Hilltop Gallery - valued at $325

  • Original Watercolor by artist Rochelle Newman & Hilltop Gallery - valued at $300

Winning tickets will be drawn at the Blue Bash on Tuesday, November 6, but you do not need to be present to win, so please purchase Drawing Tickets, whether you're coming or not by clicking here!

Jackson County Democratic Candidate List is Now Available
Pick up your copy of the slate at Jackson County Democrats Headquarters, 40 S. Central, Medford during office hours (11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Tuesdays - Saturdays) or see it at www.jcdemocrats.org.

Obama Bumper Stickers, Buttons and Lawn Signs: More Are on Order
We have plenty of bumper stickers. Lawn signs and buttons are on order. Call the office (541-858-1050) to find out when they arrive. We're asking for a donation to cover the costs.

JACKSON COUNTY & OREGON NEWS

Ballot Measures: The Democratic Party of Oregon Recommendations
There are nine important state-wide issues. Complete descriptions are in the "On Line Voters Guide", which will be available the week of October 8 at www.oregonvotes.org

DPO Ballot Measure Recommendations

SUPPORT:

Measure #77: SUPPORT (95.3%)
Amends Constitution: Governor may declare "catastrophic disaster" (defined); requires legislative session; authorizes suspending specified constitutional spending restrictions

Measure #78: SUPPORT (96.5%)
Amends Constitution: Changes constitutional language describing governmental system of separation of powers; makes grammatical and spelling changes

Measure #85: SUPPORT (92.9%)
Amends Constitution: Allocates Corporate Income/Excise Tax "Kicker" Refund to Additionally Fund K Through 12 Public Education

OPPOSE:

Measure #79: OPPOSE (92.9%)
Amends Constitution: Prohibits real estate transfer taxes, fees, other assessments, except those operative on December 31, 2009

Measure #82: OPPOSE (94.1%)
Amends Constitution: Authorizes Establishment of Privately-Owned Casinos; Mandates Percentage Of Revenues Payable To Dedicated State Fund

Measure #83: OPPOSE (96.5%)
Authorizes Privately-Owned Wood Village Casino; Mandates Percentage Of Revenues Payable To Dedicated State Fund

Measure #84: OPPOSE (95.2%)
Phases out existing inheritance taxes on large estates, and all taxes on intra-family property transfers

NO ENDORSEMENT:

Measure #80: NO ENDORSEMENT (Support 45.9%; No Endorsement 43.5%; Oppose 10.6%)
Allows personal marijuana, hemp cultivation/use without license; commission to regulate commercial marijuana cultivation/sale

Measure #81: NO ENDORSEMENT (Support 55.3%; No Endorsement 34.1%; Oppose 10.6%)
Prohibits commercial non-tribal fishing with gill nets in Oregon "inland waters," allows use of seine nets

County Commissioner Candidates Forums, "Jeff vs. Doug"
Wednesday, October 17, 7 p.m. at the Ashland City Council Chambers. (Note corrected location.)
Tuesday, October 23, 7 p.m. at the Medford Library
This is a great chance to see these candidates in action. NOTE: Jeff has received the support of the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors (RVAR), normally a right-leaning group, because of his initiatives re family-wage jobs.

Jeff Scroggin for County Commissioner Campaign Needs YOU!
We are starting down the home stretch. Now is the time to help get Jeff elected. Please call the Scroggin Campaign at 541-941-7015 and sign up today.

  • Phone Callers: Two Evening Shifts: 5:30 - 7 p.m. or 7 to 8:30 p.m. - OR - Day shifts at your convenience.
  • Canvassers: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Sundays, 1 p.m. OR make arrangements for another time.

Trent Lutz, Editor, and the DPO Express Support for the Joyce Segers Campaign
"I wanted to pass along this message to you from our Democratic candidate in the 2nd Congressional District, Joyce Segers. Joyce is running a value driven campaign against Greg Walden, who has been a driving force behind the extreme policies of the Republican Congress, and the right-hand-man to John Boehner. I hope you will consider getting involved in a major way with her campaign!"

See Joyce's message here.

Signs for Segers. Help Her Campaign Gain Visibility; Show a Sign
Printable window signs for your home or car are available at www.segersforcongress.org; Click on MEDIA. There are twenty window signs to choose from.

John Huddle "Arms" a Money Bomb to Win!
John Huddle, running for Oregon State House of Representatives, Dist. #55 (Shady Cove, Eagle Point, northeast Jackson County and on over the hills) needs a cash infusion to complete his campaign. If John wins, the 30-30 split in the State House will tip Democratic. It could break the current deadlock and move progressive legislation forward.

"Hi Everyone,

I'm "arming" a money bomb in the fund raising stockpile of the Huddle Campaign. Yes, it's an arms race! The goal is 200 pledges to raise what I hope will be the final amount necessary to get out the message and win the HD55 race!

I am working with a national media consultant with several years experience handling media outreach for Democrats from presidential to local races. He's developed what I think is an effective media approach. Go to www.johnhuddle.com to learn more, and help arm my campaign.

Thanks, John Huddle"

Nominated by the Democrat Party, the Independent Party of Oregon and the Working Families Party (541) 728-3105.. Representation is a full-time job!

Secretary Kate Brown Announces Bill to Encourage Growth of 'Benefit Companies' in Oregon
Presenting at the first annual Oregon Social Business Challenge, Brown reveals legislation that allows companies to put people before profits. She will introduce Benefit Company (or "B-Corp") legislation in 2013, a new corporate status designed to meet the unique needs of companies that want to use their business to solve social or environmental problems. Brown made the announcement as part of her address to a sold-out crowd at the state's first annual Oregon Social Business Challenge. Read the entire report here.

Brad Avakain, Labor Commissioner, Defends "Right-to-Work" Laws Against Opponent
John Mohlis, executive director of the Building Trades Council, put it perfectly:

"It shows more urgency to re-elect Avakian. It's certainly not in our best interest to have a labor commissioner who is anti-labor."

Click here for the whole story.

Save Oregon's Paper Mills! Senator Merkley Pushes for an Investigation of Chinese Subsidies
In 1980, paper mills employed over 10,000 workers in Oregon, paying them family wages, benefits and providing union representation. Today Oregon paper mills employ approximately 3,300 workers and the jobs that remain are in danger.

Join the Working Families petition urging Congressman Greg Walden to join Senator Merkley and the rest of the Oregon Congressional delegation in calling for an investigation of China's subsidized paper industry. Click here for more details, and to sign the petition.

Important Election Information Roundup

  • Last day to register to vote for the Nov.6 general election: October 16. Register online : www.sos.state.or.us/elections

  • If you've moved, update your registration. Ballots are not forwarded.

  • If you've changed your name, use the paper registration form.

  • Registration forms are available at the DMV, all libraries, and the Jackson County Democrats office, 40 S. Central, Medford.

  • Jackson County Elections Office: 1101 W. Main, Medford (upstairs). Their telephone number is 541-774-6148 for any questions you may have.

  • If you will be out of town during the election cycle, go to the Elections Office and vote early- call first to determine if ballots are ready.

  • If you have not received your ballot by November 1, call the Elections Office.

NATIONAL ISSUES

Democratic Party of Oregon Review of the October 3 Presidential Debate

  • The President spoke directly to voters tonight about his vision for an economy that grows from the middle out, while Mitt Romney spent the night on the defensive, doubled down on the same bad ideas that crashed the economy, and got testy when he was pushed on specifics.
  • Romney confirmed that he opposes a single dollar in new revenue to reduce the deficit and continued to hide the details about how he'd accomplish his plans because he knows they don't add up and are bad for the middle class.
  • He also tried to run away from his $5 trillion tax cut favoring the wealthy, refused to say what rules he'd put in place to protect consumers after repealing Wall Street reform, and didn't offer a single idea to protect families from insurance company abuses after repealing Obamacare.
  • Tonight the American people saw the clear contrast between where the two candidates will take the country in the next four years.

Don't Miss the Next Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates
October 11, 6 - 7:30 p.m., October 16, 6 - 7:30 p.m.; October 22, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
For topics and complete details click the link here.

Poll Watchers, Here's a Website for You!
www.Fivethirtyeight.com from the NY Times gives you the very latest poll statistics. Check it out.

WIDER COMMUNITY

Ashland Move to Amend letter writing party
Monday, October 8, 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 87 Fourth St., Ashland
These letters to the Editor will be on behalf of the ballot measure in November. We prefer the letters to be your own personal style, and we'll have sample letters for you to use to create your own. Bring pen & paper & come play with fellow Ashlanders who care about our democracy.

SO Pride weekend, October 11 - 14
Join the parties, march in the parade, have brunch. Get the details here.

 

SCOTT FREE - A Play About Abigail Scott Duniway and Women's Suffrage in Oregon
Saturday, October 13, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Masonic Center, Clover Lane, Ashland (directions below)
Duniway worked 40 years to get women the vote. She lived to see victory in 1912. Celebrate the Oregon Women's Suffrage Centennial! A free presentation.

(Directions: Follow Route 66 east over 1-5. From the freeway, take Exit 14 and turn left. The first street on the right is Clover. Turn right on Clover; pass a Mexican restaurant and a Holiday Inn Express before the Masonic Center. At the Masonic Center, turn left into the driveway. There is plenty of parking in the lot behind the Masonic as well as on the street.)

League of Women Voters Series Presents Films with Election Themes
Saturday, October 13, 7 p.m. discussion, 8 p.m. film in the large room at the Medford Library, 205 S. Central, Medford
The film will be "Wag the Dog", with a discussion led by Al Densmore. Click here for more details on this and other films to be presented in the series.

Stand For Children Educational Summit
Saturday, October 27, 9 - 11:30 a.m., Jackson Elementary School, Medford
Hear firsthand about education reform initiatives happening in Oregon from Ben Cannon, Governor John Kitzhaber's Education Policy Advisor. See the flyer for all the details.

"Immense Possibilities" Has Moved to Fridays
"Immense Possibilities" will now be seen on SOPTV, Friday, 8:30 p.m.
See what's coming at www.immensepossibilities.org

JCD Facebook Page
If you want up-to-the-minute news about JCD activities, please "like" us on the Jackson County Democrats Facebook Page.